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Research progress on the role of extracellular vesicles in the repair of skeletal muscle membrane injury

LIU Yi-Long^1,2, WU Ying^1,2,*

¹School of Sports Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China；²Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing 100084, China

Abstract

The timely and efficient repair of the plasma membrane in skeletal muscle cells following injury is critical for maintaining cellular function and tissue integrity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in this process through multi-level mechanisms. This review systematically summarizes the generation, secretion, and multifunctional roles of EVs in the repair of skeletal muscle plasma membrane damage: (1) removing damaged membrane fragments and cellular debris via endocytosis and exocytosis to maintain plasma membrane stability; (2) fusing with the injured plasma membrane to supply essential components for membrane repair and restore membrane integrity; and (3) serving as a vital mediator of intercellular communication, transmitting repair signals, promoting intercellular interactions, and orchestrating multi-level responses to facilitate tissue regeneration and functional recovery. Additionally, this article explores the potential applications of EVs in the treatment of exercise-induced injuries and muscular diseases, aiming to provide theoretical insights and novel strategies for future research and EV-based therapeutic approaches.

Key words: extracellular vesicles; skeletal muscle; plasma membrane repair

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 吴迎　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2025.0005

Citing This Article：

LIU Yi-Long, WU Ying. Research progress on the role of extracellular vesicles in the repair of skeletal muscle membrane injury. Acta Physiol Sin 2025; 77 (5): 956-968 (in Chinese with English abstract).